Hamilton doctor captures life in his photographs

HAMILTON — As a cardiologist, Dr. Ilya Genin deals with disorders of the human heart, but as an amateur photographer he also captures the heart of humanity.

Genin, 63, a critically acclaimed photographer was born in Kiev, Ukraine, where he lived until he immigrated to the United States in 1979. He is a partner with Hamilton Cardiology Associates and has been a cardiologist in the Hamilton-Trenton area for the last 24 years.

Genin’s latest photographic journey took him to Cuba. His project called “Yo Soy Cuba” (I am Cuba), opened Nov. 8 at the campus of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton.

His interest in photography started early in his life even before he thought of a career in medicine.

“I became interested in photography in my teenage years,” said Genin. “My photographic interests span a variety of themes including landscapes, portraits, still-life and, most recently, travel photography,” he said.

Genin, graduated medical school in 1975 in Ukraine and worked there for three years. After marrying an American exchange student he immigrated to the United States.

Once in America and after passing the necessary tests including learning English, Genin began working as a physician in 1985.

“Dr. Genin’s approaches his photography the same way he takes care of his patients, with great sensitivity and skill. He is a great photographer and physician,” said Dr. Francisco Javier Villota, Medical Director at Robert Wood Johnson Occupational & Corporate Health

His “Yo Soy Cuba” exposition is a compilation of photographs taken in his trip to the island.

“I like Cuba. Cubans are very warm people interested in the things occurring outside of the island, “

Staying away from historical landmarks and cliché post-card shots, Genin’s photographs include many shots of Cubans engaging in their daily lives.

“My hope is to show a different side of Cuba. A lot of people report on the old cars, ruined buildings or the general squalor of life on the street. I think that to get to know the country and understand the country, it is much more important to engage the local people who have been there for so many years. This is more telling of the country,” said Genin.

In order to achieve the greatest integrity and authenticity in his photographs, Genin goes to great pains to embed himself in Cuban life.

“I make it appoint to not stay in a hotel but in a room for rent where every day I can interact with locals. After having been there for several days people open up and have more frank conversations,” he said.

Through those conversations Genin is able to give life to his shots.

“What I am trying to show in these photographs is that despite all the difficulties they are still positive upbeat and dignified people. And it is not easy to preserve those characteristics under the conditions they are living down there,” said Genin.

Cuba suffers bleak economic conditions due to the Castro dictatorship and US trade embargo.

“I feel for them, but despite all those difficulties I find that Cubans preserve their dignity and positive outlook for the future. And the people I have photographed represent the spirit of the Cuban people,” he said.

Genin’s work is not limited to exotic places, he also photographs dolls. “Dolls and mannequins have a life of their own they have mysteries and secrets waiting to be solved and uncovered. Their faces and bodies convey a range of emotions that we don’t expect to find outside of the human world,” he said.

Genin has made his rounds of the Mercer County arts scene. His works have been exhibited at the former Gallery 125. Ellarslee - The City Museum, and Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton.

Besides his passion for photography Genin enjoys fishing, scuba diving and reading. “I love Gabriel García Marquez but I don’t narrow myself to one theme. I will read any good book,” he said.